Monday, 31 December 2018

Edu Okeke becomes New MD of Azura Power As David Ladipo Takes a Bow

Azura Power West Africa Limited has announced the exit of its Dr David Ladipo and the appointment of Mr. Edu Okeke as the new MD.

As co-founder and MD of Azura, Dr Ladipo spent more than eight years at the helm of the company, during which time the company developed, built and commissioned the 461 MW Azura-Edo IPP, Nigeria’s first largescale, privately-financed, independent power plant.

As the company transitions into 2019, he now passes the baton to his erstwhile deputy, Mr. Edu Okeke.

Mr Okeke joined Azura in 2014 as its Chief Operating Officer before becoming Deputy Managing Director in 2016. Prior to joining Azura, Mr Okeke had already charted a stellar career path through a succession of bluechip companies.

This career began 25 years ago, when he joined Guiness Nigeria PLC as a management trainee based in Lagos. From there he moved to Schlumberger Oilfield Services where he steadily moved up the ranks from a Junior Field Engineer to overseas postings as a Senior Field Services Manager in Vietnam and Pakistan.

In 2004, he joined Lafarge PLC as a Business Development Manager where he was posted to South Africa, before returning to Lagos and attaining promotion to the post of Commercial Director.

In 2008, he moved to General Electric where he spent three years as GE’s West Africa Region Manager before being posted to France, in 2011, as a Commercial Leader.

One year later, GE brought him back to Africa to head up their entire Sub-Saharan Power Generation Sales Division. And it was from this role that he was eventually poached by Azura.

Mr Okeke holds a BSc in Electronic Engineering from the Univeristy of Nigeria, Nsukka and an MBA from Imperial College, London.

Commenting on Mr Okeke’s appointment, his predecessor, Dr Ladipo, had this to say: “Mr. Okeke has already made a huge contribution to the Azura family. In his roles as COO and DMD, he has brought an infectious energy to every task he’s been given. He has also brought a wealth of international experience; a commitment to exceptionally high quality standards; well-honed leadership skills; and a seemingly effortless ability to bond with peope from all walks of life. From drivers to directors, from CEOs to cleaners, Mr Okeke is always able to connect at a very natural, very human, level. This combination of humility and charisma, proficiency and passion, perspiration and inspiration, will stand him in good stead as he takes over the leadership of Azura”.

In preparation for Mr Okeke’s promotion to MD, Azura has also broadened the composition of its senior management team. Earlier this year, Mr Fela Somoye and Mr Victor Agboh were both promoted to senior manager status.